The term "centrolecithal ovum" refers to an egg cell with yolk concentrated in the center. The word is pronounced /ˌsɛntrəʊˈlɛsɪθəl ˈəʊvəm/ and is spelled using a combination of Greek roots: "centro-" meaning center, "lecith-" meaning yolk, and "-al" indicating a description of the noun. The correct spelling is crucial for understanding and communicating this scientific concept accurately. The word "centrolecithal ovum" is commonly used in embryology to describe the early stages of development in certain animal species.
A centrolecithal ovum is a type of egg cell found in certain animals that exhibits a specific arrangement and distribution of cytoplasmic components. The term "centrolecithal" comes from the Greek words "kentron" meaning center and "lekithos" meaning yolk. It refers to the unique positioning of a central, large yolk granule or mass located at the center of the egg cell.
In a centrolecithal ovum, the yolk is surrounded by a small amount of cytoplasm, forming a thin peripheral layer. This unique distribution is often observed in insects, such as beetles and flies, as well as in certain crustaceans and arachnids.
The central yolk acts as a store of nutrients for the developing embryo, providing essential nourishment during embryonic development. While the majority of the cytoplasmic content is concentrated at the center, various cellular organelles, such as nuclei, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, are distributed throughout the peripheral cytoplasm.
During fertilization, the sperm enters the ovum and its genetic material combines with that of the female to form a zygote. As the zygote undergoes cell division, the cytoplasmic constituents are evenly distributed to each resulting cell, ensuring the proper development of the embryo.
The centrolecithal ovum showcases a unique adaptation in reproductive strategies among different animal species, adapting to specific developmental requirements and environmental conditions.
One in which the food-yolk is large and central, forming the bulk of the ovum, as in a bird's egg.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "centrolecithal ovum" is derived from two separate words: "centrolecithal" and "ovum".
1. "Centrolecithal" is derived from two Greek roots: "kentron", meaning "center", and "lekithos", meaning "yolk". In this context, "centrolecithal" refers to the presence of a centrally located yolk in the oocyte (immature egg) or ovum (mature egg). The term was coined by combining these two roots.
2. "Ovum" comes from the Latin word "ovum" itself, meaning "egg". It is a Latin term adopted in anatomy and biology to refer to the female reproductive cell that is capable of developing into a new individual when fertilized.